Keys traits of successful coaches

At a previous Can-Am On-Court Coaching Clinic, Dave Smart (Head Coach, Carleton Ravens) worked with all of the attending coaches and shared some great insight. Coach Smart has experienced success at many levels, most notably at Carleton, and is deservedly well-respected. Beyond discussing many technical topics (such as keeping score in drills, elevating practice intensity, defensive rotations, etc - more on those in later posts), Coach Smart offered some terrific general thoughts on coaching traits. He suggested that successful coaches:

• have a team "on the same page" as the coach
• keep themselves in check and do what is in the best interest of TEAM success
• keep their plan simple, focus on it's execution
• know their philosophy, know WHAT they are doing and WHY they are doing it
  
• recognize that they will never know it all, so they keep learning
• embrace leadership - in order to coach, need to be able to lead (note that trust must be gained before players will be led)
  
• treat everybody fairly, have no problem treating people differently (respect, develop trust in individuals)
• stay within their personality and coach the way they are as people (be true to themself)